SCOTLAND’S salmon and trout anglers can only admire the achievements of Northern Ireland in opening up their rivers and loughs to everyone at reasonable cost.
In the 20 years since the Scottish Parliament was established not a single yard of any river or loch has been opened up to Scots by the Scottish Government.
READ MORE: Warning of 'cruel betrayal' from UK Government on Scotland's fishing
Northern Ireland has acquired 64 fisheries for its Public Angling Estate amounting to hundreds of miles of rivers and loughs.
Fishing permits for the Public Angling Estate are set at a price so that no one is socially excluded. A permit for under 18s is a mere £2 per year, those aged 18-60 pay £77, whilst over 60s pay £17.50. Concessions are available for disabled anglers and those on certain benefits.
The Public Angling Estate also carries out excellent restocking and conservation works which Scotland could learn a great deal from.
Scotland has some of the best fishing in Europe but we have completely failed to utilise this resource.
Jim Stewart
Edinburgh
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel